Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus for processing workpieces, including effecting changes in the workpieces by applying ultrasonic energy to the workpieces using novel apparatus and steps for applying the ultrasonic energy to the workpieces. Specifically, an ultrasonic horn and anvil are used to apply ultrasonic energy in a limited amount, to effect change such as cutting in one layer of a workpiece without effecting a corresponding change in the other layers of the workpiece, although some change in the other layers may be tolerated and/or desired. A rotary horn and anvil are taught, with a protuberance on either the horn or the anvil. In use, the horn and anvil preferably rotate cooperatively in close proximity to each other at a nip, and apply pressure and corresponding ultrasonic energy to the workpiece only when the protuberance rotates into the nip, even though ultrasonic energy may be applied uniformly to the ultrasonic horn throughout the rotation of the protuberance.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for processing workpieces, including effecting changes in the workpieces by applying ultrasonic energy to the workpieces using novel apparatus and steps for applying the ultrasonic energy to the workpieces. Specifically, an ultrasonic horn and anvil are used to apply ultrasonic energy in a limited amount, to effect change such as cutting in one layer of a workpiece without effecting a corresponding change in the other layers of the workpiece, although some change in the other layers may be tolerated and/or desired. A rotary horn and anvil are taught, with a protuberance on either the horn or the anvil. In use, the horn and anvil preferably rotate cooperatively in close proximity to each other at a nip, and apply pressure and corresponding ultrasonic energy to the workpiece only when the protuberance rotates into the nip, even though ultrasonic energy may be applied uniformly to the ultrasonic horn throughout the rotation of the protuberance.

Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.

Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.

Abstract: This invention pertains to alkaline electrochemical cells, typically to metal-air cells of the button-type. Non-reactive elements of cells of the invention are thinner than corresponding non-reactive elements of prior art cells. Such elements can be made thinner because of improved structures of such elements. The anode can is made from a metal strip structure having a higher steel content. The cathode can has a modified temper, which improves relative stiffness and rigidity while retaining sufficient ductility. The seal disposed between the anode can and the cathode can is made thinner. Structure of the corner of the cathode can between the bottom and the side wall is improved. By so reducing the thicknesses of non-reactive elements of the cell, and thus the volume occupied by such non-reactive elements, the fraction of the cell devoted to holding electrochemically reactive anode material therein is increased, with corresponding increase in the milliampere hour capacity of the cell.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a traffic signalling system, and methods of use, for monitoring a signal zone about an intersection having at least two approach paths, detecting each target entering the signal zone, and giving warning visual display signals to traffic in approach paths outside the approach path occupied by the respective target. The traffic signalling system may direct a second visual display signal, different from the visual warning display, toward the approach path occupied by the respective target, and may indicate, in the visual warning displays, the approach path occupied by the respective target. The traffic signalling system may concurrently receive and process stimuli from first and second targets in respective first and second different approach paths, and indicate, to the targets in the respective approach paths occupied by the targets, the presence of the other target in the other approach path.

Abstract: This invention pertains to alkaline electrochemical cells, typically to metal-air cells of the button-type. Non-reactive elements of cells of the invention are thinner than corresponding non-reactive elements of prior art cells. Such elements can be made thinner because of improved structures of such elements. The anode can is made from a metal strip structure having a higher steel content. The cathode can has a modified temper, which improves relative stiffness and rigidity while retaining sufficient ductility. The seal disposed between the anode can and the cathode can is made thinner. Structure of the corner of the cathode can between the bottom and the side wall is improved. By so reducing the thicknesses of non-non-reactive elements of the cell, and thus the volume occupied by such non-reactive elements, the fraction of the cell devoted to holding electrochemically reactive anode material therein is increased, with corresponding increase in the milliampere hour capacity of the cell.